Hi again,The last page should obviously have been titled Napoli. Silly me jumped ahead. Anyway to finish off in Napoli, we arose early on the 23rd and caught a taxi to the station, although my better half at a moment of weakness suggested that we walk with our luggage. (Yeah right). We caught train, however was late departing and had to change at Roma, making our arrival in Firenze an hour late. Luckily with the assistance of our booking office in Glen Osmond, (SJ & Jenna) our hotel was within a hundred metres of the station. Upon arrival we were initially informed that we did not have a booking. However the desk staff were helpful and advised that a room was available and that we could sought out the $$ later. By the time we completed the paperwork, confirmation of our booking appeared.Room was comfortable and much larger than Roma, however we dont think that it makes the 4 star grade.After dropping luggage we headed off to do the proverbial on/off bus trip to familiarise ourselves with the city. What a beautiful place with the tour taking in the narrow streets full of tourists and then over the bridge to the more scenic larger historical gardens and buildings. We then alighted and booked for a Tuscany Tour the next day. Many shops were then visited (predominately shoe shops for you know who), with a purchase being made. We then enjoyed a beautiful dinner in a piazza, walked home past markets markets markets. A small sleep in, followed by a satisfactory Italian breakfast, then into the I`Net cafe and attempted further acc bookings. Then followed the bus tour to Tusacany...Chianti. There were approx 50 on the tour / double decker bus, and a guide providing much information re the history of the area. We stopped at a castle which produces its own wine and olive oil. We toured the underground cellars and then enjoyed a wine tasting of 4 varieties. Following a scenic route and more information, we alighted to walk up a very steep drive to a church with magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. At this point we were all ready to eat, and our next stop was a family restaurant, where we enjoyed various pastas, pork, beans and sausages...with a terimi sui ???? for desert. This was aided by some red wine from the region. An hour more and we were back in town, many asleep on the way. A very enjoyable outing. This morning, breakfast, then onto the train destined for PISA. The trip took approx 1hr 15 minutes, followed by about a 30 min walk to the "Tower" and surrounding historical buildings..one of course being a church of the large variety. Mandatory photo`s taken of holding/pushing the tower although the tower must have moved as ours did not quite work out.!! Back on the train, phone call to the girls (accom booking office), then went looking for the Museum to see the Statue of David. After another long walk we located the non-descript building and I must say a very impressive statue indeed. There were many other works by Michelangelo both finished and unfinished, apparently he is on leave. We then tried to make our way back to update our "blog", but yes I got us semi-lost again. Nevermind we are still ...speaking. Many more markets along the way. Dinner next, then off to Venice in the morning. Catch you later with more snit bits. Ciao.

Comments

Great to hear you're having a fantastic holiday! The Amalfi bus trip will probably haunt you forever, as I can still see the drop over the cliff vividly in my mind. Tried to pin the girls down for dinner but not easy - will keep trying. Life a little different around here with one semi-retired pensioner - house back on the market.....all fun & games! Port going fantastic - 4 wins to one loss....damn Crows!!! Tried texting, but Pete's new phone is giving him grief at the moment. Love Pete & Barb (typed by Kate).

Sounds like you guys are having fun!! Lots of eating drinking and walking - best way though!!! All I can say is that you don't have to drive afterwards!!! We are well here- Gabriella is doing great with her driving lessons! Thank God!!! Joep is counting the days to when the mine is no longer under Spanish control and Nathan - well is just Nathan!!!! Look forward to the next installment!! Cheers!!!